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The Indian subcontinent has a huge and diverse range of attractions for the domestic or international traveler. Tourism is India's largest industry, with over 17 million foreign visitors annually generating some $100 billion per year. Major attractions in India range from natural wonders to historical and religious sites. Travelers can visit beaches, desert, bustling cities, the highest mountain range in the world, and some of the holiest Hindu and Muslim sites in the world.

Taj Mahal

The white marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic of India's tourist attractions. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and routinely attracts two to four million visitors each year. Built in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal comprises a domed tomb, ornamental gardens and a complex of outlying buildings. The Taj Mahal is located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Agra. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort are also situated in Agra.

Beaches of Goa

The most compact state in India, Goa is situated on the country's west coast and is renowned for its beaches. The area was formerly a Portuguese colony, and colonial architectural remains an attraction for travelers to Goa. The different beaches along the Goa coast are some of India's most popular destinations for foreign travelers, and beach tourism is well-developed in Goa. Generally, the northern Goa beaches cater to independent travelers and backpackers; the beaches in southern Goa have more upscale accommodations and clientele. Discos, nightclubs, bars, restaurants and shops line many of Goa's beaches, and beach music festivals include the annual Sunburn festival -- the largest electronic dance music festival in the Asian continent.

Delhi

The Indian capital city of Delhi contains many historical landmarks and monuments, in addition to Indian national museums, temples, shrines, parks and shopping. Some of the most-visited historical sites in Delhi include the Tughlaqabad Fort, Red Fort, Humayun's tomb, Lodhi Gardens and Safdarjung's Tomb. More modern architectural attractions and sites are drawn from British colonial history, in addition to the Hindu and Muslim religious traditions. A common tour route takes in the so-called "Golden Triangle" between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Guided tours on the Golden Triangle route usually last around seven or eight days.

Himalayas

The Himalaya mountain range -- the highest in the world -- spans ten Indian states along the northern border region. Visitors to the Himalayas can view the amazing landscapes of the Indian Himalayan regions. The state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayas, contains the most sacred temples in the Hindu religion -- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These four temples, collectively known as the Char Dam of Garhwal, mark the spiritual sources of India's largest rivers. British colonial hill stations in the Himalayan regions of India include Nainital, Almora and Mussoorie -- you can visit these stations via high-altitude railways. The flora and fauna of the Himalaya area can be spectacular, and of course the mountain landscape and its glaciers draw many visitors each year.